Iconic, thought provoking and political propaganda. Three phrases that successfully summarise the artwork commissioned for the Hope campaign. At first glance the image can easily be construed as a general piece of propaganda supporting Obama, although the context lies much deeper than firstly identified. When explaining the context behind the image Shephard considered the way in which his image would be interpreted by that of the average American." the American public is generally pretty superficial, so an image like that just allows them to project whatever limited idea they have onto it. Shephard is confident in his response that not every American will consider his work in as much detail as himself and may enforce their own beliefs upon the image. Although some may just interpret it as purely an aesthetically pleasing image of Obama, it may in well assure them that voting for Obama is the right decision. Thus Shephards context within the image is still being projected.
When first viewing the image the principal factor in which consumes the observer is that of the colours used. Red, Navy, pastel blue and cream all emblems of the iconic American flag. No skin colour is depicted within the image as Obama is formed from the nation's colours, consequently eliminating any forms of racial prejudice against him. Establishing Obama within these patriotic colours allows him to exhibit a truly American nostalgia without connotations to his African heritage, which often override the reality that Obama is an American citizen, being born and raised within the state of Hawaii.
The outlooking gaze Obama possesses within the image embarks on the reality of America's future. The expression may be interpreted in two formats. Firstly there is the notion of Hope. Obama's offset eyes are drawn to that of the future whereby his political influence has developed his country in no way that America has previously uncovered, an idyllic sentiment at the most. The second perception of the image being much stronger in reality. The notion in which Obama's fixed stare is a result of him contemplating the hardships in which are yet to come within American. With gun crime, terrorism and global warming being factors in which he expected to resolve within the following decade a daunting task lies ahead of him. One his strong prospering body language seems to express the confidence he maintains to complete such task.
Thirdly the factor in which embeds the political campaign directly within this image is the word HOPE. Positioned lower to the image no direct attention is drawn away from Obama, but structurally raises him above the word in which is most iconic to him. The word itself seems to uplift Obama comparable to Obama's plans to lift America from their extensive deficit. The typeface used for this completion is Gotham. Shephard being a graphic designer knows vast amounts surrounding the importance of typography, and how a certain typeface is able to position an audience. This is clearly presented within the design decisions in which he has embarked. Strong similarities can be derived between Obama and the geometric typeface. Firstly, Gotham is a sans-serif and thus stands bold and prominent characteristics in which Obama successfully maintains when delivering a speech to his nation. The typeface also derives from American similar to Obama, and thus embeds further nationalism into the design. The typeface also appeared on the cornstone of the One World Trade Centre which is built on the ground in which the former World Trade Centre once stood. As the 9/11 attacks were an experience in which no living American will forget, the usage of the memorial typeface enriches the entire ideology of the poster. When placed in this context the typeface suggests that Obama is willing to maintain the safety of his people, and will use past experiences to gather further knowledge on how to do so.
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